BitTorrent For Dummies

If you’re an avid software downloader, no doubt you’ve heard of BitTorrent by now. You’re not a dummy if you haven’t yet, but you might be a dummy if you don’t pick up BitTorrent for Dummies when it’s released. Co-authored by a good friend, you’re in for a good tutorial or two:

BitTorrent has the potential to turn computers into TVs and creative people and businesses into broadcasters; more than 20 million people have already downloaded the software, with 40 million downloads predicted by the end of 2006. This friendly guide shows people how to install the BitTorrent client and make the most of the file-sharing technology, whether they want to download and play third-party content or distribute their own software, audio, or video. Includes lots of real-world stories of businesses and individuals who have used BitTorrent legally to distribute content, attract customers, or launch careers.

I’ve used BitTorrent to download a few of the TV shows I missed on cable (that I pay top dollar for). Does that make me a bad guy? I don’t think so, and I’ll defend the right to watch what I want to watch WHEN I want to watch it ’til the day I shuffle off this mortal coil. BitTorrent makes it relatively easy to get the things I want to get, WHEN I want to get them. We’re no longer living in a society where we have to be slaves to the clock. BitTorrent is “something” that enables me to enjoy a more complete digital lifestyle. It’s a smarter P2P, some say. I really don’t care how it works or why - I just know what BitTorrent has done for me and you.